Vernon

RCMP Spokesperson Gord Molendyk says an autopsy was completed Tuesday afternoon on the body of a deceased male found in Polson Park on Monday.

"The pathologist was able to determine that foul play did not play a role in his death," said Molendyk.

The case has now been turned over to the BC Coroners Service. RCMP officers will continue to assist the Coroner in establishing the identity of this man.

11:30 a.m. Aug. 13 update:

The investigation continues into the discovery of a body in Polson Park yesterday afternoon. The team of investigators and the Forensic Identification Unit working with the Coroners Dept removed the body last night.

The investigation has determined the deceased had been there for an indeterminable period of time. An autopsy is expected to be completed later today to assist in the determination of the age, sex and potentially the cause of death of this person.

Our investigators are continuing to make inquiries and we are following up on reports of missing people at this time.

Anyone with any information about this body being found in the park is asked to call the Vernon RCMP or call Crime Stoppers.

UPDATED 5:10 p.m. At approximately 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon, the Vernon RCMP responded to reports of a body in the south end of Polson Park.

Within minutes, several officers were on the scene and had closed off a large section of the park that backs onto the railroad tracks.

Shortly thereafter, RCMP Spokesperson Gord Molendyk confirmed the discovery of a deceased individual. The gender, age and suspected cause of death have not yet been released.

“It’s going to be some time before we can determine exactly what we are dealing with,” said Molendyk.

Although Molendyk says a body found in a public place immediately warrants full RCMP attention and resources to ensure no evidence is missed, it has not been determined whether the death is considered suspicious.

“It’s much easier to put all the resources in right off the bat and investigate it from that perspective, than not put the resources in and determine [later] that we have something totally different,” he said.

The coroner has been notified, says Molendyk, and police will work together with the coroner to determine the cause of death.

"Police are expected to be at this location for many hours while they investigate," Molendyk said.

The Serious Crime unit is on the scene conducting the investigation. Molendyk expects that more information will be released to the public on Tuesday morning.

Original Story 3:31 p.m. Vernon RCMP are responding to reports of a dead body in the south end of Polson Park.

RCMP Spokesperson Gord Molendyk says officers were called at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon.

"Our officers attended the park and have confirmed there is a body. The police have cordoned off an area of the park while they investigate the cause of death," said Molendyk.

The Serious Crime unit is on the scene conducting the investigation. At this time, they have not determined the gender or age of the deceased.

"Police are expected to be at this location for many hours while they investigate," Molendyk said.

Castanet will bring you further updates as they become available.

Photo: Melissa Ligertwood - Vernon

Vernon RCMP at Polson Park on Monday afternoon in the initial stages of their investigation. They have confirmed a body has been found.